HOUSTON – The funeral service for the 12-year-old boy who was shot to death while trying to protect his younger sister was held Monday morning.
Carlos Fernandez was laid to rest at the Blackwell and Vasquez Funeral Home surrounded by family and friends.
“I don’t want everyone to remember Carlos for the senseless tragedy. Remember him for the young man that he was the protector, the big brother, the cousin, the great nephew, and being an all-around good kid,” said Carlos’ uncle, Delfino Gonzales.
On March 4, Carlos was sleeping in his home when his mother’s ex-boyfriend, Terry Bryan Rivera, allegedly showed up at the family’s home and started shooting in Carlos’ bedroom, killing the boy.
Rivera has since been charged with capital murder. He is currently on the run.
Additionally, Rivera’s mother, who is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, was arrested after she allegedly texted someone following the deadly shooting and asked them to help with her son’s escape.
According to investigators, Alva Cornejo, 51, met up with Rivera hours after the murder where he allegedly confessed to her about the murder. She told investigators she told him to turn himself in, but he instead jumped out of her vehicle and ran away. Investigators said Cornejo said that was her last time speaking with her son, but they later learned that was a lie. Investigators said Cornejo messaged a third party and asked them to pick up her son. They also said they found an internet search in her phone on “how to travel to the border of Mexico.”
At the funeral, Carlos’ family said this is something they would have never expected.
“You don’t really picture yourself going through this, especially, with a child,” Gonzales said.
Now, the family is urging Rivera, who shares two children with Carlos’ mom, to turn himself in.
“Turn yourself in. Be a man. Don’t be a coward. You know what you did. You were man enough to carry a gun, be man enough to face the consequences of your senseless actions,” Gonzales said.
After appearing before a judge Monday morning, Cornejo’s bond has been set at $25,000.
As for Rivera, investigators believe he’s still in the Houston area. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact The Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
SEE ALSO: